Inhibition of Wnt-2-mediated signaling induces programmed cell death in non-small-cell lung cancer cells

Oncogene. 2004 Aug 12;23(36):6170-4. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1207844.

Abstract

In this report, we have demonstrated that Wnt-2 protein is overexpressed in freshly resected human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. We have also developed a monoclonal antibody against the N-terminus of human Wnt-2 protein. This monoclonal antibody induces apoptosis in human NSCLC cell lines that overexpress Wnt-2 protein. Incubation of this antibody with normal human airway cells lacking Wnt-2 expression does not induce apoptosis. Wnt-2 signaling blockade by the anti-Wnt-2 antibody is confirmed by downregulation of cytosolic beta-catenin and reduction in TCF-dependent transcriptional activity (TOPFLASH assay). In addition, Wnt-2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment in the NSCLC cell line A549 also downregulated cytosolic beta-catenin and induced apoptosis. Moreover, downregulation of an inhibitor of apoptosis family protein, Survivin, was noticed both in the Wnt-2 antibody- and siRNA-treated NSCLC cells, suggesting that inhibition of Wnt-2-mediated signaling induces apoptosis through inactivating Survinin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / immunology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Wnt2 Protein

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Wnt2 Protein